Abstract: A bar code reader includes a first circuit board on which a photodiode, which receives light reflected from a bar code, is installed and a second circuit board on which a processing unit that processes a signal output from the photodiode. The position at which the first circuit board is placed can be decided irrespective of the position at which the second circuit board is placed. The first circuit board is placed at a position that is most suitable for receiving light reflected from the bar code.

Abstract: An electronic trash disposal unit comprises a control unit which scans and identifies disposed items to store them in an appropriate recycling bin. The unit is connectable to a communication network which updates a central database with the contents of each unit. The unit initiates a reorder instruction to suppliers.

Abstract: A bioptical laser scanning system employing a plurality of laser scanning stations about a two independently controlled rotating polygonal mirrors. The system has an ultra-compact construction, ideally suited for space-constrained retail scanning environments, and generates a 3-D omnidirectional laser scanning pattern between the bottom and side-scanning windows during system operation. The laser scanning pattern of the present invention comprises plurality of groups of intersecting laser scanning planes that form a complex omni-directional 3-D laser scanning pattern within a 3-D scanning volume capable of scanning a bar code symbol located on the surface of an object presented within the 3-D scanning volume at any orientation and from any direction at the POS station so as to provide 360° of omnidirectional bar code symbol scanning coverage at the POS station.

Abstract: A fully automated package identification and measuring system, in which an omni-directional holographic scanning tunnel is used to read bar codes on packages entering the tunnel, while a package dimensioning subsystem is used to capture information about the package prior to entry into the tunnel. Mathematical models are created on a real-time basis for the geometry of the package and the position of the laser scanning beam used to read the bar code symbol thereon. The mathematical models are analyzed to determine if collected and queued package identification data is spatially and/or temporally correlated with package measurement data using vector-based ray-tracing methods, homogeneous transformations, and object-oriented decision logic so as to enable simultaneous tracking of multiple packages being transported through the scanning tunnel.

Abstract: A method of and a system for generating a dense pattern of scan lines. In a preferred configuration, a laser beam is directed into an inline beam dithering mechanism which dithers the beam over an angle parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotating facet wheel. The combination of the dithering mechanism and the scanning motion of the rotating facet wheel creates a dense scan pattern. Return light is retrodirectively collected by a collection element such as a collection lens onto a detector. A beam redirector such as a cone-shaped device having openings on both ends and a reflecting internal surface is disposed between the collection lens and the detector to redirect off-axis spot onto the detector. The system and method is applicable to both single and multiple beam systems and single and multiple window scanners.

Abstract: The effects of paper/substrate noise are significantly reduced in multi-focal zone laser scanning systems by processing analog scan data signals with a scan data signal processor having a plurality of pass-band filters and amplifiers that are automatically selected for passing only the spectral components of an analog scan data signal produced when a bar code symbol is scanned at a particular focal zone in the laser scanning system. Two or more different pass-band filter structures can be provided for use in the scan data signal processor, wherein each pass-band filter structure is tuned to the spectral band associated with a particular focal zone in the laser scanning system. When a bar code symbol is scanned by a laser beam focused within the first focal zone or scanning range of the system, the pass-band filter structure associated with this focal zone or scanning range is automatically switched into operation.

Abstract: A solid-state imager is mounted at a point-of-transaction workstation for capturing images of diverse targets useful for customer identification, customer payment validation, and operator surveillance. The imager is manually or automatically triggered and is operated at high speed to resist image blurring due to relative movement between the target and the imager.

Abstract: The tracking product images several coded data sources (41A–41C) concurrently to cause a track signal (12) which represents each of the several coded data source locations and represents each of the several coded data source identities.

Abstract: A bar code reader which includes an image display system to more effectively promote retailers and their products. The bar code reader includes a housing portion and an image display system in the housing portion. An example bar code reader includes a dual-aperture bar code reader with a first housing portion containing a substantially horizontal aperture through which first scanning light beams pass for scanning an item, and a second housing portion vertically extending from a checkout counter containing a substantially vertical aperture through which second scanning light beams pass for scanning the item. The second housing portion includes a surface visible to the customer and an image display system in the surface.

Abstract: A barcode scanning apparatus and method for reading barcodes on serially fed sheets having barcodes in a consistent location. A transport moves the barcode bearing sheets as they pass below at least two fixed barcode scanners. Both of a first and second barcode scanners scan the barcodes and transmit corresponding signals to an apparatus controller. Preferably the at least two barcode scanners are in series, one closely located immediately downstream of the other. The controller receives the signals from the first and second barcode scanners, and interprets them accordance with a predetermined algorithm. The predetermined algorithm is a function of both the first and second barcode signals and is selectable to provide different levels of reliability checking.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for selectively reading a barcode, symbol, or other indicia by either scanning the barcode with a flying-spot scan, or by imaging the barcode, thereby improving reading performance by tailoring the reading method to the particular item that is being read. Both a flying-spot laser scanning front end and an imaging front end are incorporated in a single device. Data obtained by the selected reading method is decoded and output. A common decoder or separate decoders may be used to decode the data from the two front ends. A single image sensor may be shared between the flying-spot front end and the imaging front-end, with a limited readout area utilized for laser scanning. The size of the readout area may be adjusted based on detected target proximity. Selection of the reading mode may be based on criteria including manual input, the range of the target, or previous failed attempts to read the barcode using either reading method.

Abstract: A barcode reader device for processing a plurality of documents having a transport system for transporting the documents along a travel path through a reading area; a blocking member; and a bearing member for pivotally suspending the blocking member along the travel path prior to the reading area, with the blocking member being disposed in spaced-apart relationship to the transport system so as to form an elongated, adjustable opening between the transport system and the blocking member for passing the documents one at a time.

Abstract: A high gain, low signal-to-noise, transimpedance amplifier is prevented from saturation even in the presence of bright sunlight by an offset adjustment circuit utilizing a field effect transistor as a variable resistor.

Abstract: A fully automated package identification and measuring system (300), in which an onmidirectional holographic scanning tunnel (100) is used to read bar codes on packages entering the tunnel, while a package dimensioning subsystem (500, 600) is used to capture information about the package prior to entry into the tunnel. Mathematical models are created on a real-time basis for the geometry of the package and the position of the laser scanning beam used to read the bar code symbol thereon. The mathematical models are analyzed to determine if collected and queued package identificaton data is spatially and/or temporally correlated with package measurement data using vector-based ray-tracing methods, homogeneous transformations, and object-oriented decision logic so as to enable simultaneous tracking of multiple packages being transported through the scanning tunnel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bar code reader support stand that is portable and easy to set up in addition to being stable and not easily tipped. The support stand provides a reading surface on which to place a coded medium. The support stand further provides a securing area for mounting a bar code reader, such that said bar code reader is held at a predetermined and fixed distance and angle with respect to said reading surface. The fixed position and orientation of the bar code reader with respect to the reading surface allows for a consistently reliable reading of the coded medium. Installation and usage of the device can be more efficient since the user need not adjust the bar code reader orientation at the time of set-up, nor re-adjust it during the course of usage. The design of the weight-stabilised base allows the device to be set up and used in an active environment without the need to rigidly connect it to a table top by means of screws or bolts.

Abstract: A system and method of maintaining a bar code reader which bypasses a point-of-sale terminal coupled to the bar code reader. The system includes a maintenance computer, and a connection path between the maintenance computer and the bar code reader which bypasses a point-of-sale terminal connected to the bar code reader. The maintenance computer obtains bar code performance data from the bar code data over the connection path, determines the operating status of the bar code reader, and provides the operating status to a technician operating the maintenance computer.

Abstract: The apparatus has an optical unit for optically reading the article barcode provided to the article. The controller sets operation standard as the reference for occurrence of barcode reading errors, on the basis of individual operator setting information depending on personal features (rhythm, habitual manner, etc.) of operators engaged in operation of reading barcodes. The controller also monitors whether the operation relating to the operator conforms to the operation standard or not.

Abstract: A planar light illumination and imaging system for illuminating an object and forming an image thereof. The planar light illumination and imaging system which comprises an image formation and detection module having a field of view (FOV) focused at an image detecting array. A planar light illumination array (PLIA) constructed from an plurality of planar light illumination modules (PLIMs) is arranged in rectilinear manner.

Abstract: An Internet-based remote monitoring, configuration and service (RMCS) system capable of monitoring, configuring and servicing a planar laser illumination and imaging (PLIIM) based network. The network has one or more nodes and performs object identification and attribute acquisition functions. Each node is a PLIIM-based subsystem operably connected to a digital communications network interconnectable to the infrastructure of the Internet. The Internet-based RMCS system comprises a monitoring subsystem for remotely monitoring a set parameters associated with the PLIIM-based network. The set of parameters relate to network, system and/or subsystem characteristics of the PLIIM-based network. The RMCS also includes an analyzing subsystem for remotely analyzing the parameters to diagnose (i) performance failures in the PLIIM-based network, as well as (ii) the operation and performance of the PLIIM-based network.

Abstract: Battery power consumption and data transfer latency of an electro-optical reader in a wireless network are minimized by turning a radio off in a default state, and by turning the radio on only after the reader has generated data to be transferred along the network.

Abstract: A code symbol reading device includes a portable housing that contains a source of optical energy. This optical energy is projected into a scan field external to the housing and is incident upon a code symbol situated on an object located within the scan field. Optical energy reflected off the code symbol is detected within the housing to produce scan data that is indicative of the detected optical energy. The scan data is processed to detect and decode the code symbol and to produce symbol character data that are representative of the decoded code symbol. A data packet utilizing the symbol character data is constructed and then used to modulate an electromagnetic carrier sign that is transmitted to a base unit. At the base unit, the carrier signal is demodulated and the data packet is recovered. The received data packet is processed to recover the symbol character data, and an acknowledgment signal is generated to acknowledge the receipt of the symbol character data at the base unit.

Abstract: A device, arrangement, and scanner are provided which are compact, reliable, and cost effective. The device is generally of the type in which a moving beam is scanned along a target object, and light reflected from the target object is detected and analyzed by the device. The device is preferably mirrorless. In addition, the device preferably lacks an integrated scanning component which imparts motion to the beam. In this regard, the device is provided with components for interacting with a separate adjacent scanning component, as well as a flexible connection device.

Abstract: A fully automated package identification and measuring system, in which an omni-directional holographic scanning tunnel is used to read bar codes on packages entering the tunnel, while a package dimensioning subsystem is used to capture information about the package prior to entry into the tunnel. Mathematical models are created on a real-time basis for the geometry of the package and the position of the laser scanning beam used to read the bar code symbol thereon. The mathematical models are analyzed to determine if collected and queued package identification data is spatially and/or temporally correlated with package measurement data using vector-based ray-tracing methods, homogeneous transformations, and object-oriented decision logic so as to enable simultaneous tracking of multiple packages being transported through the scanning tunnel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a bioptical laser scanning system that provides 360° of omnidirectional bar code symbol scanning coverage at a point of sale (POS) station. The system generates a 3-D omnidirectional laser scanning pattern between the horizontal and vertical scanning windows during system operation. The laser scanning pattern of the present invention comprises a complex of pairs of quasi-orthogonal laser scanning planes, each composed by a plurality of substantially-vertical laser scanning planes for reading bar code symbols having bar code elements (i.e. ladder-type bar code symbols) that are oriented substantially horizontal with respect to the horizontal scanning window, and a plurality of substantially-horizontal laser scanning planes for reading bar code symbols having bar code elements (i.e. picket-fence type bar code symbols) that are oriented substantially vertical with respect to the horizontal scanning window.

Abstract: A planar laser illumination and imaging (PLIIM) based camera system for producing high-resolution 3-D images of moving 3-D objects having arbitrary surface geometry. The PLIIM-based camera system comprises a system housing of unitary construction, a LADAR-based object profiling subsystem, a PLIIM-based linear imaging subsystem, and an image processing subsystem disposed therein. The system housing has first, second, third and fourth light transmission apertures linearly aligned with and optically isolated from each other, and the third light transmission aperture is disposed between the first and second light transmission aperture. The LADAR-based object profiling subsystem projects an amplitude modulated (AM) laser beam through the fourth light transmission aperture, and scans the laser beam across an 3-D object surface of arbitrary surface geometry moving past the fourth light transmission aperture.

Abstract: An information carrier medium includes at least first and second sheet members (12, 14) each having first and second surfaces opposite to each other and laminated together with the first surface of the first sheet member bonded to the first surface of the second sheet member. A security indicium (14; 71) is formed on at least one of the first surfaces of the respective first and second sheet members (12, 14). The security indicium is made of at least one inking material of a kind capable of responding to a coherent light when irradiated thereby. An electro-optical reader for reading the security indicium (14; 71) is also disclosed.

Abstract: A solid-state imager is mounted at a point-of-transaction workstation for capturing images of diverse targets useful for customer identification, customer payment validation, and operator surveillance. The imager is manually or automatically triggered and is operated at high speed to resist image blurring due to relative movement between the target and the imager.

Abstract: Methods of and systems for illuminating objects using planar laser illumination beams having substantially-planar spatial distribution characteristics that extend through the field of view (FOV) of image formation and detection modules employed in such systems. Each planar laser illumination beam is produced from a planar laser illumination beam array (PLIA) comprising an plurality of planar laser illumination modules (PLIMs). Each PLIM comprises a visible laser diode (VLD, a focusing lens, and a cylindrical optical element arranged therewith. The individual planar laser illumination beam components produced from each PLIM are optically combined to produce a composite substantially planar laser illumination beam having substantially uniform power density characteristics over the entire spatial extend thereof and thus the working range of the system.

Abstract: A device in equipment for automatically receiving, scanning and handling containers (41) which are essentially rotationally symmetrical about their longitudinal axes, e.g.

Abstract: A multi-channel scanner having several photodetectors (12a-12d) and several lasers (10a-10d) for scanning along multiple paths (50a-50d) incorporates a separate input channel (26a-26d) for each photodetector. Each channel provides a sequence of data elements representing light reflected from points along the associated scanning path, and the data elements from each channel are stored in separate FIFO buffers (20a-20d). A multiplexer (22) takes data elements from the various buffers so as from a consolidated stream of data elements (80) incoporating the data elements from the various channels. This stream is processed in a single decoder (24) to recover data denoted by the bar code. Use of a single decoder minimizes the cost and size of the system.

Abstract: A Pulsed Fast Neutron Analysis (PFNA) object scanning-tunnel system for automatically acquiring and linking object identity and attribute information about each object transported therethrough while bearing a bar code symbol and/or graphical indicia on the exterior surface thereof. The system comprises a scanning-tunnel housing through which one or more objects can be transported. A planar light illumination (PLIIM) based subsystem, is mounted within said scanning-tunnel housing, and includes a pair of planar light illumination arrays (PLIAs) for producing a planar light illumination beam (PLIB) for illuminating the exterior surface of each object. A linear image formation and detection (IFD) module automatically forms and detects digital linear images of the bar code symbol and/or graphical indicia thereon.

Abstract: An optical reader capable of reading a bar code in a mounted state when an article carrying the bar code passes and of reading bar codes set in array on a menu sheet in a hand-held state has been disclosed. The optical reader comprises a light source, a scanner that is driven by a drive and scans light emanating from the light source, a plurality of reflection mirrors that reflect scanning light scanned by the scanner and create a scanning pattern composed of a plurality of scan trajectories, a read window through which scanning light reflected from the reflection mirrors is emitted, and a light receiver for receiving light reflected from a mark. The optical reader further comprises a mode changer for changing a plurality of operation modes among which one or ones of the plurality of scan trajectories to be validated for reading are different.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optoelectronic code reader and to a method for the reading in of codes, which move relative to the code reader within a reading zone, by scanning the reading zone at least along one scan direction. For the reading of codes which are arranged along the scan direction at different distances to the code reader, at least one first scanning device and one second scanning device are provided which are controlled along the scan direction at different focal positions.

Abstract: An apparatus for reading authorization cards with a bar code has a housing with an insertion slot for inserting the card and at least one reading head in the housing for scanning the bar code in a line perpendicular to the insertion direction of the card. The space in the housing is formed to be so long that the card is insertable further beyond the scan line of the reading head by a path (d) that is greater than the distance (c?) between the leading edge of the card and the end of the bar code field facing away from the leading edge. This permits reading of cards with different lengths (a) and different positions (c?) of the bar code field.

Abstract: A bar code reader missing link detection system for detection of missing, defective or misaligned chain links in assembled or in-process chains includes a light source for illuminating one or more chain links of a chain, a light sensitive diode array for detecting an image of a fixed scan line, produced by the light source, and a lens system for focusing incoming light produced by the light source onto the diode array, wherein the system is arranged such that the bar code reader reflects light from one or more of the chain links onto the diode array, and the diode array is continuously scanned, digitized, and the data obtained thereby interpreted to detect missing chain links.

Abstract: By automatically adjusting the object detection mechanism of a bar code scanner from a long range mode of operation to a short range mode of operation, the scanner will remain capable of detecting and decoding bar codes even if the object detection mechanism repeatedly detects the presence of a background object. The techniques of the present invention commence when the bar code scanner is placed in a position such that the scanner's object detection mechanism repeatedly detects a background object such as a counter top or conveyer belt. The object detection mechanism is set to the long range mode of operation if it is not already so set. In the case of a stand-mounted scanner, a test is performed to ascertain whether or not the scanner is in its stand, and the method will only proceed once the scanner is resting in the stand.

Abstract: An optical reader is provided for reading a symbol representing information having areas of different light reflectivity. The optical reader comprises a radiant energy source, a photodetector, an optical system and a decoder. The radiant energy source generates a radiant energy for illuminating a target region. The photodetector generates output electrical signals indicative of the radiant energy incident thereon. The optical system includes a projection portion and a collection portion. The projection portion directs the radiant energy along a projection path extending from the radiant energy source to the target region. The collection portion collects the radiant energy reflected from a symbol when the symbol occupies the target region and directs the collected radiant energy along a collection path extending from the target region to the photodetector.

Abstract: An automatic scanner which can be used at a point-of-sale (POS) station. The scanner provides a confined scanning volume, so as to avoid unintentional scanning of nearby objects that are located outside of this confined scanning volume. This scanner can be operated in an automatic hands-on mode of operation, or also operated as a stationary laser projection scanner in an automatic hands-free mode of operation. A collimated scanning pattern is projected from the hand-supportable device about a projection axis. The collimated scanning pattern intersects the projection axis within a narrowly confined scanning volume so that bar code symbols disposed within this scanning volume can be read omnidirectionally.

Abstract: An optical reader capable of reading a bar code in a mounted state when an article carrying the bar code passes and of reading bar/codes set in array on a menu sheet in a hand-held state has been disclosed. The optical reader comprises a light source, a scanner that is driven by a drive and scans light emanating from the light source, a plurality of reflection mirrors that reflect scanning light scanned by the scanner and create a scanning pattern composed of a plurality of scan trajectories, a read window through which scanning light reflected from the reflection mirrors is emitted, and a light receiver for receiving light reflected from a mark. The optical reader further comprises a mode changer for changing a plurality of operation modes among which one or ones of the plurality of scan trajectories to be validated for reading are different.

Abstract: A checkout device with a barcode reader, scale, and electronic article surveillance (EAS) system. The checkout device includes a scale assembly including a base portion and a weigh scale over the base portion. The weigh plate includes an aperture. A barcode reader is between the base portion and the weight scale and reads a barcode through the aperture in the weigh plate. A security label deactivation system is between the base portion and the weigh plate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a scanning device for reading bar code symbols, wherein the scanning device comprises a housing having a substantially horizontal surface and a substantially vertical surface. A motor rotates a polygon mirror, which reflects a light beam from a light source and redirects it toward a mirror array and out a window in the substantially horizontal window. Another motor rotates another polygon mirror, which reflects a light beam from a second light source and redirects it toward a second mirror array and out a window in the substantially vertical surface. A plurality of sensors detects light reflected back from a bar code and generates a plurality of electrical signals proportional to the intensity of the reflected light.

Abstract: A control circuit performs capturing of pixel signals along each scanning line when a high-speed capturing mode is selected, switches the capturing mode to a partial capturing mode when it is assumed based on the captured pixel signals that an information code is present in one image region, sets a capturing objective area at a predetermined central region to capture pixel signals in this capturing objective area and perform a decoding operation.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for reading indicia, such as a bar code, from a remote location. The apparatus includes a light source for illuminating the indicia, preferably with infrared illumination. The indicia is incorporated in a reflective medium, disposed remotely from the light source, which reflects the illumination provided by the light source. The apparatus includes a light sensing device also disposed remotely from the reflective medium. The light sensing device receives the reflected image of the indicia and generates an indicia image signal based thereon. An indicia processing system receives and operates on the indicia image signal to extract indicia information therefrom. The light source and the light sensing device may be located up to 75 feet or more away from the reflective medium, and the reflective medium may be moving at speeds of up to 85 miles per hour or more relative to the light source and the light sensing device.

Abstract: A checkout device with a produce guard for separating a produce item from a vertical window of the checkout device. The checkout device includes a barcode reader and a produce guard. The barcode reader includes a housing containing a vertical window, a load cell assembly in the housing, and a horizontal weigh plate supported by the load cell assembly. The produce guard includes a horizontal member between the horizontal weigh plate and the load cell assembly, including an edge, and a vertical member coupled to the edge of the horizontal member for separating a produce item on the horizontal weigh plate from the vertical window of the barcode reader.

Abstract: Techniques for using imaging information computed from examining a scanner signal are described. When one or more objects passes within a field of view of a scanner, scan patterns emerging from one or more scanner windows and reflected from the objects back into the scanner windows produce one or more scanner signals. The scanner signals are processed to obtain beam position and beam length information to improve the accuracy of bar code decoding and to compute imaging information for objects within the field of view of the scanner. The imaging information for the objects is compared with bar code information for the objects. The expected number, size and shapes of objects indicated by the bar code information is compared with the actual number, size and shapes of objects in order to determine if valid scans occurred or if missed, double or otherwise erroneous scans occurred.

Abstract: Novel POS-based bar code symbol reading systems are disclosed having an integrated customer-kiosk terminal. Also disclosed are novel POS-Based Bar Code Reading Cash Register Systems having Integrated Internet-enabled Customer-Kiosk Terminals.

Abstract: A visual display device (1) comprises a visual display panel (5) which comprises an electro-optical medium (17) provided by a cholesteric liquid crystal medium which defines a plurality of pixels (20) which are alternately and selectively operable in a first light transmitting mode for forming a background (40) and a second light scattering mode for forming a character (39) against the background (40). A video projector (35) projects a light beam (37) at a rear major face (34) of the visual display panel (5) which defines an image (38) of a character (39) being displayed on the visual display panel (5).

Abstract: An optical read is capable of reading a bar code in a mounted state when an article carrying the bar code passes and of reading bar codes set in an array format on a menu sheet in a hand-held state. The optical reader comprises a light source, a scanner that is driven by a drive and scans light emanating from the light source, a plurality of reflection mirrors that reflect scanning light scanned by the scanner and create a scanning pattern composed of a plurality of scan trajectories, a read window through which scanning light reflected from the reflection mirrors is emitted, and a light receiver for receiving light reflected from a mark. The optical reader further comprises a mode changer (or control unit) for changing a plurality of operation modes among which one or ones of the plurality of scan trajectories to be validated for reading are different.

Abstract: A process for configuring a service that is to be provided for a subscriber (SUB) by a telecommunication network (NW), a barcode tagger (TAG) for same, a configuration module (KM) for same, a configuration device (KMP) for same, a data entry module (INM) for same, as well as a data entry device (IN) for same. In the process, a barcode (BC) is assigned to the service that is to be provided, wherein the barcode (BC) is read by a data entry device (IN) of a barcode tagger (TAG). The data entry device (IN) transmits barcode data (BDA) determined from the barcode (BC) to a configuration device (KMP) of the telecommunication network (NW) and the configuration device (KMP) configures the service for the subscriber (SUB) by means of the barcode data (BDA).

Abstract: A scanning device adapted to scan an interface surface provided on a product item, the interface surface having disposed thereon coded data indicative of an identity of the product item, the product item being provided in a sensing region, the scanning device including: a beam generator for emitting at least one scanning beam, the scanning beam being directed in first and second orthogonal directions to thereby generate a raster scan pattern over a scanning patch provided in the sensing region; at least one beam controller for directing the at least one scanning beam along selected ones of a number of patch beam paths, each patch beam path extending into the sensing region at a respective angle; a sensor for sensing at least some of the coded data on the interface surface of the product item as the product item passes through the sensing region; and a processor for determining, using at least some of the sensed coded data, product identity data indicative of the identity of the product item.